Pilonidal Cyst not healing

[Ramina]

My son had a pilonidal cyst 3 months ago. He had it drained and left open to heal. He went to the doctors to have it packed and cleaned for 10 days, then we were told it needed to be left uncovered to heal. It’s now 3 months on and it’s still red and sore, he has been applying antiseptic cream, but it doesn’t seem to be closing and healing. Is this normal? Has anyone else had this experience? Any advice would be helpful. Many thanks.

Hi @Ramina , has he been back to the doctor with it? I wonder if it's become infected.

I've had a Pilonidal sinus for coming up 25 years on and off, they are literally a pain in the bum! So he has my absolute sympathy

Yes indeed - loads of sympathy.

I would go back to doc and check it out. Open healing is slow, but the risk of infection is always there and it might be as well to reassure yourself that it is going in the right direction. The practice nurse could deal with this.

Get it checked you don’t want it to reoccur. Hope he’s on the mend soon

Hi they can take a long time to heal longest one here (not mine) was 8 weeks. I think it all depends on how deep they are.
If you think there may be another abcess causing it not to heal then I would advise asking to see a colorectol specialist as pilindol cysts can turn in to fistulas if left untreated which essentially means that unless further surgery happens they will reoccur.
They don't always turn into fistulas but it is something to be aware of and on the look out for

Thank you so much for your advice, it’s really appreciated! Yes, he went to the doctors yesterday and it’s over granulation. I had never heard of this before. The doctor put some Silver nitrate on it, it literally burns the granulation. Poor lad was in agony trying to drive home. No infection thankfully. Hopefully this helps speed up the healing. Honestly, what a pain in the butt these things are. Thanks again.